AUVSI projected that UAV's will comprise a $82 billion industry, and of course some states will benefit more than others. One of the factors that will determine how that $82 billion is dispersed is the presence of one of the highly-coveted FAA UAV test sites. There are 37 states competing for six sites, which are expected to attract significant R&D investment.

Considering AUVSI's state-level projections alongside existing aerospace assets, CNN Money identified 9 states that show the potential to lead the emerging UAV industry. Indiana and Ohio are listed together because they have partnered to bid on the FAA test site and their collective assets make for a formidable competitor.